Making Payments for an Illinois Auto Insurance Policy

Illinois motorists are required to buy auto insurance to legally drive, but many residents may not know that the payment method they choose can influence their monthly or overall coverage costs. Choosing to pay for a plan in small installments may help spread out the overall cost of a policy, but a single upfront payment may result in a lower overall cost. Additional billing fees could also influence the price of a plan, as well as the potential of missing an installment and experiencing a lapse in coverage. Researching a number of options and choosing a convenient installment method could also allow motorists to save money and purchase policies that include higher levels of protection.

In the Prairie State, the price of car coverage can vary depending on a resident’s insurer and personal details. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners estimated in 2008 that the average cost of a policy consisting of liability protection with additional comprehensive and collision coverage in IL was $720, but residents are likely to find both higher and lower valued policies while comparing quotes. Motorists are encouraged to extensively shop for Illinois auto insurance that is adequately priced, and then choose a payment method that best suits their personal budget. Typically residents have the option of either paying for a plan in full, or by making installments. Each method, however, has its own advantages that may be able to affect the amount a motorist ends up paying for their policy.

Illinois Auto Insurance Payment Methods

Before settling on a policy, it is essential for residents to consider their payment options and the potential advantages of each method. A common way to pay for car coverage in the Prairie State is with small installments throughout the term of the policy. This allows residents to distribute the overall price of a plan, making it more affordable. This may also allow motorists to buy policies that include higher levels of coverage. For example, when recommending Insurance for College Students the Illinois Department of Insurance recommends purchasing liability coverage with a minimum threshold of 100/300/100 instead of the 20/40/15 limits that are required by the state. Although such a policy is likely to cost more, dividing the overall price into smaller monthly installments could make it more affordable for many people.

Making monthly payments for an IL insurance policy can also come with small billing fees. While these fees are often small, over time they can add up, resulting higher coverage costs. Motorists are encouraged to consider a three or six month billing cycle to reduce the number of fees. If possible, paying for a policy in full can also result in lower overall costs. Often paying for a plan in one large payment can result in fewer billing fees and are typically accompanied by discounts. Additionally, choosing this method can significantly reduce a resident’s likelihood of missing an installment and potentially experiencing a lapse in coverage.